Olympics: Waddell not to compete in Athens

9.30am


New Zealand has lost one of its best medal prospects for this year's Olympics with the announcement Rob Waddell will not be defending his single sculls title in Athens.

Waddell says there is not enough time to reach the fitness levels required for the final Olympic qualifying regatta in Lucerne in June.

He says he has still made no decision on whether his sporting future lies on Americas Cup boats or the rugby field having been part of Team New Zealand's unsuccessful defence of the Auld Mug and also the Waikato NPC B-squad last year.

Waddell hasn't rowed since his victory at the 2000 Sydney games and says he would have to have been back training six months ago to have given Athens a serious shot.


- Newstalk ZB and HERALD STAFF